The symbol of the Society of Sts. Peter & Andrew is a Petrine cross with a Saltire cross over top of it. In the left corner of the crest there is an anchor, and in the right corner there is the Chi Rho symbol. Above all these the Papal Keys rest in the center.



The Petrine Cross

The origin of St. Peter's symbol comes from the tradition that Simon Peter was crucified upside down, as told by Origen of Alexandria. It is believed that Peter requested this form of crucifixion as he felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner that Jesus died. As such, some Catholics use this cross as a symbol of humility and unworthiness in comparison to Jesus.

 

The Saltire Cross

Also known as St. Andrew's cross, the story is almost identical to St. Peter's, however, instead of the Petrine Cross, tradition tells us that St. Andrew was martyred on this "X" of a cross.

 

The Anchor

The Anchor first appears in Christian theology in the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (6:19-20).  The anchor is a symbol of hope in future existence because the anchor was regarded in ancient times as a symbol of safety.

 

The Chi Rho

This is one of the earliest symbols of Christianity. It comes from when the Emperor Constantine dreamt of being ordered to put a "heavenly divine symbol"  on the shields of his soldiers. With this on their shields, Constantine's army fought the forces of Maxentius and won the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312). The Chi Rho is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters chi and rho (ΧΡ) of the Greek word "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ"  which means Christ.

 

The Papal Keys

Matthew 6:18 "And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven." The keys resemble the fact that we are One, Catholic, Holy & Apostolic Church with the authority given by Christ, the King & Our God.

 

The Shield

The Reason for the shield is because we are the Church Militant,

and we are constantly defending ourselves from the wicked

and temptations. 

 

The Two Headed Eagle

This symbol comes from the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.

The Eagle has been the symbol of imperial rule since the Roman Empire.

The Society of Sts. Peter & Andrew has chosen this double headed eagle

to represent the Power of Christ over His Church, and His commanding

power over us the Church Militant. The two heads of the Eagle represent

 the East & the West, Faith & Reason (Fides et Ratio), and Sts. Peter & Andrew.

Each Eagle is given a crown to represent that they are both Kings in the

body of Christ, they are the Two Lungs.

 

The Large Crown 

This Crown symbolizes the Catholic Church as a whole, this is the entire Body of Jesus Christ.



God Bless & Glory to Jesus Christ.